NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can damage the engine.
What the fix does
This page covers 3 recalls, 322 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Kia Seltos.
27–31 mpg combined
7.6–8.7 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2021 Kia Seltos draws a heavy concentration of complaints around the engine, which accounts for well over a third of all reports filed for this model year. The most common pattern owners describe is excessive oil consumption, many report needing to add oil every 1,000 miles or so, often without any warning light alerting them to low oil levels. Several owners go further, reporting that the engine seized or lost power entirely, sometimes at highway or intersection speeds, with no prior warning. Related to this, multiple owners describe rough idling and unexpected stalling, particularly at low speeds or while stopped. A smaller cluster of powertrain complaints points to similar concerns about engine performance and power delivery. Faulty piston rings come up in a handful of accounts as the explanation mechanics offered after diagnosing excessive oil consumption and rough running.
322
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Kia Seltos has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a 4WD control unit under the driver's seat that can corrode and short-circuit even with the car parked and off, and an engine defect where damaged piston oil rings can cause oil to leak onto hot exhaust components.
The engine concern, which affects vehicles with the 2.0L engine, stems from piston oil rings that can degrade and allow the engine to seize or stall unexpectedly, cutting power while driving and raising the risk of a crash. Oil escaping onto hot exhaust surfaces adds the fire risk on top of the stall risk, so the two consequences can occur together. The AWD fire risk is separate: salt and moisture that accumulate inside the cabin can reach the 4WD control module mounted beneath the driver's seat, corroding its circuitry until a short circuit occurs. Because this can happen while the vehicle is parked and unattended, it carries particular concern. That recall only affects all-wheel drive models, while the engine recalls apply regardless of drivetrain configuration.
At a glance
What can fail
The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can damage the engine.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will inspect and replace the engine if needed, and install piston-ring noise sensing system software, both at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 4WD control unit under the driver's seat can corrode from salt and moisture buildup, potentially causing an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the 4WD control unit, replace it and related components as needed, and install a protective cover.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Piston oil rings in the 2.0L Nu MPI engine may lack proper heat treatment, potentially causing engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the engine if needed at no cost. Kia will also install Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
